“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Cor. 10:12-13)

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:10-12)

These two passages almost sound as though they contradict each other, but I have found them to be equally helpful in reaching God’s destiny for my life. I believe in these two important keys… first, to find the purpose for which God created you, and second, to fight for it in spite of all opposition. Abundant life is when you connect your passion with God’s purpose and know that God is receiving pleasure in the journey!

Throughout my life, I’ve had my fair share of heart-wrenching situations, including the loss of ministry vision, abandonment, rejection, and betrayal from those whom I thought were trustworthy friends. The list could go on and on. Each of those hard places tried to blind me and imprison me. Satan’s goal is always to keep me from defining Kingdom purpose and destiny. Yet each time, God broke in to offer the way of freedom. I have learned to trust that in trials and temptations, God will always set before us a way of escape so that we will not be overcome or abort the dream that He has for us. If you can recognize it, you will succeed!

Face Your Giants!

Every time you are face-to-face with a “giant” of opposition, you must decide whether you will allow God or the giant to define who you are… and the character of your heart! In recent months, the Lord has spoken to me several times about the story of David and Goliath. I’ve become intrigued with the fact that the name Goliath means “expose or reveal”. When the Philistine giant came against the Nation of Israel, Saul and his soldiers’ exposed their fear. They allowed words to get in their head and intimidate their hearts. At the same time, and with the same words… the courageous heart of a warrior was revealed in David. Stop and meditate on that for a moment.

Who we Really Are:

Life’s giants expose our hearts and character… revealing who we are. When we face crisis, trials or opposition, those circumstances either reveal and amplify the greatness of God within us, or expose our weakness. God wants us to see this stuff; and we need to see it if we ever hope to overcome the world and its intimidating ruler, the devil. He is a liar and thief, but his ultimate aim is to rob us of the Glory of God.

The Good News:

The way of escape is a two-way opening! Sometimes it is not a doorway open for you to run for cover, but for God to enter and strengthen you with His might! When God’s greatness within you is revealed, run toward the giant with whatever stones God has placed in your hand. And when your eyes are opened, the weaknesses that lie within will diminish and you will feel the anointing engage… its the great opportunity to be made strong in Him (2 Cor. 12:9-11)(Phil. 4:13).

“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” (Eph. 3:8) …and I will not miss God’s dream for me…